“And then they asked me to share any anecdotes I had in my career connected to Aretha Franklin! I shared a part of my journey and thanked Aretha for inspiring me along the way.

“I did not intend to do a tribute to her! That would be impossible in 2 minutes with all the noise and tinsel of an award show. I could never do her justice in this context or environment.

“Unfortunately most people have short attention spans, and are so quick to judge. I love Aretha! R.E.S.P.E.C.T.”

Meanwhile, one of Aretha’s nephews told TMZ the family isn’t mad. Then again, there’s always that one “nephew” or “cousin” or “family friend” who’s willing to talk to TMZ . . . and he or she isn’t always the official family representative he or she claims to be. Just sayin’.